Alaska awaits: T-5 hours to take-off
It’s been nearly three years since the Outdoor Writers Association of America announced that it would hold its annual conference in Alaska in September of 2012. It seemed the day would never get here.
Well, it’s here.
I’m in the office wrapping up some loose ends. This afternoon I’ll be on a plane.
The past few days have been a blur. I’ve been trying to work on the ever-shifting itinerary for my days of adventure before and after the conference. I’ve been trying to get my gear in order and fit everything into a reasonable amount of luggage. I’ve been trying to tackle chores around home that are my exclusive duty, and which couldn’t wait for my return. I’ve made some appearances at the office because, well, it’s going to be a while before I’m back in here. And I’ve been trying to enjoy some fun time with my family, from which I will be away for the longest time since the girls were born.
I also managed to get out and check some of my trail cameras, and was pleased to get the shot posted here. A friend whose opinion I trust thinks this big six is at least 20 inches wide. I’d love to get a shot at hime. Knowing this guy is on one of the places I hunt will make it a little easier to leave what I hope is the fantastic fishing of Alaska to get back here and great ready for bow season.
Though there will be days when I’m in the middle of nowhere and completely off the grid, I’ll be in and around civilization a fair amount, and my plan is to post dispatches here as often as possible, either with my laptop or my smart phone.
I might even be able to get a few submitted trailcam pictures up, but can’t guarantee it. Heck, I have a hard time keeping up with those when I’m here.
I’m slightly bummed that I’ll miss the early days of Virginia’s hunting seasons. But only slightly!
Everyone be safe out there as hunting season begins. Get a few geese, squirrels and doves for me.
August 28, 2012 - 9:47 AM
I agree with 20″. Oh, and don’t feel guilty about leaving us here in Va while you are “working” in Alaska. I’m sure you are tackling this trip for the greater good!!! Hahahaha have fun and stay safe and come back with of stories or lies.
Mark,
Have a great time. This is something you have longed to do for a long time. Your wife and kids will be fine. Enjoy the experience that Alaska has to offer. I cannot wait to go back for another taste of her pristine wilderness. Enjoy your time there and take plenty of pictures!!
Loren
Yes Mark, take one for the Team! I couldn’t possibly deal with traipsing about in Alaska right now, especially with the Grizzly Bears eating the outdoors writ….er….uh… Enjoy your trip! it is truly a once in a lifetime affair when you first arrive there, each trip back is great, but never as refreshing as the first time you arrive. Godspeed.
Mark, I believe that 20″ spread may have given you a slight case of buck fever…couldn’t help but notice you missed a couple of keys there in your last entry! lol Maybe you were just in a hurry to get on that airplane! Typos forgiven man, have a fantastic time in the Great White North and we’ll try to get the season started off on the right foot!
Enjoy your trip and stay safe out there
nice buck …saw one just about this size hit by a car today in the TOWN OF VINTON ..can you believe that?? it was around 245 pm today on the bypass road on the hill above pollard street …right in the middle of 24 bypass .(between PFG and famous anthonys ) …..have a great and safe trip ..lookin forward to your stories on alaska
enjoy the alaska frontier! you deserve this after all those damn assignments. should be paid for by r-t . but i know those tightwads. anyway- i have been there and the mosquitos are rough. hope it gets cold for you there. make sure rv is in good working order. repair shops and cell towers are far and few between. enjoy the fresh taste of alaskan fish!
oh- one last tip. buy eggs, milk and everything you can fit in your fridge or cooler in the city. in rural areas eggs go for twenty bucks or more a dozen. my buddy said it was still cheaper than dennys per egg! ha. i dont know….
Thanks for the comments and well wishes, everyone. I am here. It’s been a looooooonnnnnnggg 20 hours or so.
Will try to post new entry here shortly.